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The Challenge
Australia Taxi Cab and Private Hire Vehicle ID Card applications require 65×65mm square photos (larger than passport format) with specific regulations varying by state. Using wrong format or passport-sized photos = automatic rejection by state transport authorities.
Taxi driver ID photos use larger 65×65mm square format
Australian state transport authorities require 65×65mm square photos for Taxi Cab ID Card and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) driver ID applications—significantly larger than passport format (35×45mm). This ensures clear identification for commercial passenger transport licensing. Using passport-sized photos will result in automatic rejection. Requirements vary slightly by state (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT, ACT), so verify specific state regulations before applying.
Taxi/PHV driver ID photo requirements - will your photo be accepted?
- 65×65mm square dimensions (exactly 6.5×6.5 cm)
- Head height approximately 45-52mm from chin to crown
- Taken within last 6 months showing current appearance
- Plain white or light grey background with no shadows
- Face centered in square frame, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible (no hair covering)
- No glasses unless medical exemption with documentation
- At least 1535×1535 pixels at 600 DPI for printing
- Printed on matte photo paper
- No filters, beauty mode, or digital alterations
- Professional appearance (check state dress code requirements)
Common rejection reasons by state transport authorities
- Using passport-sized photos (35×45mm) instead of required 65×65mm square
- Head size outside acceptable range for square format
- Photo older than 6 months
- Printed on glossy paper instead of matte
- Shadows visible on face or background
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Low resolution causing pixelation
- Background not plain white/light grey or has patterns
- Inappropriate clothing (check state requirements for professional dress)
- Not meeting state-specific requirements (uniform colors, visibility standards)
How to print taxi driver ID photos
- Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper (required by most state authorities). Glossy paper may be rejected.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 2 photos, or A4 for 4 photos.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines to get exact 65×65mm square.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 65×65mm. Use ruler to confirm before submission.
- Alternative: Print at Officeworks, Big W Photo, or local photo shop. Specify '65×65mm square on matte paper' or '6.5×6.5cm matte'.
- State variations: Some states accept digital submissions—check your state authority website for current requirements.
State-by-state taxi and PHV licence requirements
Requirements vary by Australian state and territory. NSW (Point to Point Transport Commission): 65×65mm photo, medical certificate, criminal history check, driver training course. VIC (Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria): Similar specifications, CPV driver accreditation required. QLD (Department of Transport): Taxi driver licence requires 65×65mm photo, F endorsement on driver licence. SA, WA, TAS, NT, ACT: Check respective transport authority websites for current photo and licensing requirements. Always verify with your state authority before applying.
Taxi driver photo vs Passport photo - key differences
Taxi/PHV driver licence application process (general)
- Driver licence: Hold current unrestricted driver licence in relevant state (some states require minimum years held)
- Criminal history check: Apply for national police check through approved providers
- Medical assessment: Complete medical examination by approved doctor (standards vary by state)
- Driver training: Complete approved taxi/hire vehicle driver training course (requirements vary by state)
- Photo: Prepare photos in 65×65mm format on matte paper taken within last 6 months
- Application: Complete state-specific application form with all supporting documents
- Fees: Pay application and licence fees (vary significantly by state, typically $200-500)
- Processing: 2-8 weeks depending on state and completeness of application
- State verification: Always check your state transport authority website for current requirements
Cost comparison for taxi driver ID photos
- Professional photo studio: $18-30 for 4 photos (some studios unfamiliar with 65×65mm square format)
- Officeworks: $15-22 for custom size prints on matte paper
- Big W Photo Centre: $12-20 for custom size prints
- Local camera shop: $15-25 for 4 photos on matte paper
- This tool: Free. Print at home for $0.40-0.80 per sheet (matte paper + ink)
- Print at photo shop with file: $5-12 for custom size print if you provide file
- Savings: $12-30 per application using DIY approach
- Tip: Many photo services charge premium for non-standard square sizes—confirm price and specify exact 65×65mm dimensions before ordering
Need passport or visa photo?
This tool is specifically for Taxi Cab and Private Hire Vehicle ID Card (65×65mm square format). For Australian passport or visa applications, use the 35×45mm passport photo tool. They are different formats and not interchangeable.
Official State Transport Authority Resources
- NSW Point to Point Transport Commission NSW taxi and hire vehicle licensing information
- VIC Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria Victorian taxi and hire car driver accreditation
- QLD Passenger Transport Driver Authorisation Queensland taxi driver authorisation application
- Service NSW - Apply for Taxi Driver Authorisation NSW taxi driver application portal
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position Head
Select Enhancement Version
Print Photo Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 65×65 mm (square format)
- Resolution
- 1535×1535 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- Approximately 45-52 mm (69-80% of frame)
- Background
- Plain white or light grey, no shadows
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- Valid For
- Taxi licence, private hire vehicle ID
Best Practices
- 65×65mm square is significantly larger than passport photos—do not use passport format for taxi ID
- Matte paper is strongly recommended—some states may reject glossy prints
- Wear professional clothing—some states have dress code requirements for driver ID photos
- Ensure head height fits properly in square format using crop guidelines
- Print multiple copies—most states require 2 photos, keep extras for renewals
- Check if your state accepts digital submissions before printing
- Photos valid for 6 months—plan taxi licence application timing accordingly
- Some states require specific background colors—verify with your state transport authority
- Square format means different framing than passport photos—face must be centered in square crop
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Australian taxi driver ID photos?
Taxi Cab and Private Hire Vehicle ID Card photos must be 65×65mm square (6.5×6.5cm). This is significantly larger than passport photos (35×45mm). Using passport-sized photos will result in rejection by state transport authorities.
Can I use passport photos for taxi driver ID?
No. Passport photos are 35×45mm rectangular format. Taxi/PHV ID requires 65×65mm square format—nearly twice the area. They are completely different formats. You must use 65×65mm square photos or your application will be rejected.
Do all Australian states use the same taxi ID photo requirements?
Most states use 65×65mm square format, but specific requirements (background color, dress code, digital submission acceptance) vary by state. NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT, ACT each have their own transport authority with slightly different rules. Always verify with your state authority before applying.
What paper type for taxi driver ID photos?
Matte photo paper is strongly recommended and required by most state authorities. Glossy prints may be rejected. Print at highest quality (600 DPI) on matte finish.
How recent must taxi driver ID photos be?
Within last 6 months to show current appearance. Same recency requirement as passport photos. Photos older than 6 months will be rejected.
Can I wear glasses in taxi driver ID photos?
No, unless medically required with documentation. Same rules as passport photos: if you have medical need, provide signed statement from doctor. No tinted lenses, no glare, frames must not cover eyes.
Where can I print 65×65mm square photos?
Print at home on matte photo paper, or at Officeworks ($15-22), Big W Photo ($12-20), or local camera shops/photo services. Many standard photo services are unfamiliar with this size—specify '65mm by 65mm square on matte paper' or '6.5cm by 6.5cm square matte'. Confirm they can print custom square sizes before ordering.
How many photos do I need for taxi licence application?
Typically two identical 65×65mm photos required for initial application. Requirements vary by state. Print extras for future renewals (renewal periods vary by state, typically 1-5 years). This tool generates sheets with multiple copies.
What's the difference between taxi licence and private hire vehicle licence?
Requirements vary by state. Some states have separate taxi and PHV licences, others use combined commercial passenger vehicle licence. Photo requirements are typically identical (65×65mm square). Check your state transport authority for specific licensing categories and requirements.
Can I use this photo for passport applications?
No. This 65×65mm square format is only for Taxi/PHV ID. Passport applications require 35×45mm rectangular format. Use the passport photo tool for passport/visa applications.